Garden Valley, Idaho is a rural community with a history of logging, mining and ranching. Today recreation and guided hunting have replaced most of the former industries. CSHQA worked with the School District for over 12 years to pass a bond for a new K12 facility. Now the largest single building in the county, Garden Valley School is a focal point of community pride and spirit.
Multiple wings divide the $11 million, 67,000 sf school into lower and high school sections for a total of about 220 students. Common areas such as library, gym, multi-purpose room and kitchen can be locked off for after-hours community events. The timber framed entry and wood framing pay homage to the timber industry, and school colors of yellow and purple are incorporated into the interior themes.
The District is responsible for its own utilities including a sprinkler pond for fire suppression. The site was designed to accommodate a biomass-fueled, energy-efficient heating system, utilizing locally-acquired wood chips. The District received a $3-million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and with A/E support from CSHQA the system was installed in 2011.
